roblumba wrote:I wonder how they plan to test their new design changes. It's one thing to work a new design change into a product. That's easy. The hard part is quality assurance, making sure that the new design changes actually fix the problems. That can take just as much work, or more than the initial design change.

Also, I looked online and the website gives no indication of any updates to the Versalab M3. Looks the same to me.

The big visual change I saw is that they have put in a grind adjustment dial. They have also added new options, and they have increased the price of the base unit.

That doesn't change things for me though. Customer service is everything in my books. I will keep watching, but I think the Cimbali Max Hybrid is now at the top of my wish list. Too bad...

ByronA wrote:That doesn't change things for me though. Customer service is everything in my books.

FWIW, my customer service experience with Versalab has been stellar. They've repeatedly gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep me happy.

But if you buy from Versalab, you're dealing with a completely different animal. IMHO, Versalab has put more innovation in their little espresso machine and grinder than all the Mazzers, Cimbali, Dalle Cortes and La Marzoccos put together.

They are a miniscule operation that makes handmade, boutique coffee products only. They have NOTHING in common with Mazzer, Cimbali, etc, both in the nature of their products and in the way they do business. The machines are a little high-strung, and probably require a little more care and feeding to keep them going. I'm not sure what the exact automotive analogy would be, but think maybe Lamborghini vs Cadillac. Different strokes for different folks!

In terms of appearance, compact design and grounds distribution, the M3 grinder is certainly in a class by itself. You should buy from them if you think their product meets your needs better than the competition, and if you like the idea of buying directly from the same slightly eccentric folks who personally design and build the things. If you demand to be serviced in exactly the same way that a Mazzer or Cimbali would service you, perhaps you should just buy from those companies instead.

My experience with Versalab is same as Andy's. I have an M3 grinder and whenever I've needed anything they've taken care of me. I've had the grinder now for a couple years or so and haven't had any failures. Just did a few updates as they improved the unit. I haven't quite kept current with the latest changes like the toothed belt and don't really need to since the grinder is working great for me as it is.

Darryl

darrylr wrote:My experience with Versalab is same as Andy's. I have an M3 grinder and whenever I've needed anything they've taken care of me. I've had the grinder now for a couple years or so and haven't had any failures. Just did a few updates as they improved the unit. I haven't quite kept current with the latest changes like the toothed belt and don't really need to since the grinder is working great for me as it is.

Darryl

I'm glad to hear you guys are having good experiences with Versalab. Maybe I am being too harsh on them...I'll wait and see. I am not going to be buying another grinder for a while yet, so I can afford to wait and see. Who knows, maybe the great espresso god in the sky will send something my way before that. Bottom line is that if I don't find a great deal on used equipment before upgrade-itus sets in, then I will buy the best new grinder for my needs that I can afford. I'll admit that I do love the looks of the Versalab M3, and it sounds like the right grinder for me. But customer service really is important to me, so I will be watching to see what happens.

Cheers,
Byron

Thanks Coffee God! coffee so gooood! It's the grinder! Stupid!
My M3 has only about 7lbs coffee ground on it, this is the new way better improved version compared to Jim's grinder. (that's the Price&Pride of being early adopters)

another_Jim wrote:An update after a year of ownership:

The M3 is still working and still producing great grinds, but has not held up well. The drive belt slips quite regularly, the grind setting slips quite regularly, the simple friction connection between the drive wheel and shaft slips quite regularly. The bearings on the shaft are shot and noisy....

I'm told that the new model has addressed all these problems, and that it will grind a City Roast Guat without falling apart.

Who really got the credit for the better improved version?
John? or Jim? or HB?

Cafesp

My experience with Versalab has been great. Super grinder, eliminates distribution issues, no wear issues after about a year of 4-10 doubles per day. I've ordered the portafilter holder but haven't received it yet. My Mazzer Mini has been relegated to grinding for my drip machine. Versalab customer service has been just fine; my grinder suffered considerable shipping damage and Laura took care of me. I'm a happy camper.

I have the Versalab packer, too. I run it off compressed nitrogen. I can't really evaluate it yet since it is sized at 57mm for my next machine and is a bit too small in diameter for the 58mm pf that I use now. I will have the opportunity to evaluate it properly in March since my GS3 should be installed the first week of next month.

laservet wrote:My experience with Versalab has been great. Super grinder, eliminates distribution issues, no wear issues after about a year of 4-10 doubles per day. I've ordered the portafilter holder but haven't received it yet.

Same here, 4-8 doubles per day for over two years now, no problems other than going through a couple of belts. Still waiting for shipment of the knurled pulley, but once I have that I don't expect any issues at all. The grinder has been fantastic.

On their site (http://www.versalab.com/server/coffee/grindernew.html) Versalab claim "Any coffee shop, or roaster, or cupper will finally get fully in control of their product. ... Any espresso lover will be in a new world of experience."

Is there a roaster or cupper in this forum that uses the VL grinder in their professional context and is satisfied it lives up to this statement?

As I have been following the VL grinder evolution on HB in the past 3-4 years, I would expect its growing pains to have gone. I am not sure however, a year's use at 4-8 doubles per day is sufficient proof of the grinder living up to the claim.

As far as guarantee (none) and service (great) are concerned - not my biggest worry. The Bicht/Dearborn enterprise has a reputation for honesty, albeit communication (for starters between the two) and management of expectations could improve a lot. If I can believe forista on this site (and I am very much inclined to).

Does somebody have to report any new evolutions w.r.t. here?

Regards
Peter
Netherlands
Europe

CafSuperCharged wrote:Is there a roaster or cupper in this forum that uses the VL grinder in their professional context and is satisfied it lives up to this statement?

Jason at Cartel Coffee Labs in Tempe AZ has on on his counter, and at last report , 'a small part keeps breaking that keeps the grinder from working'. I'm making some attempt to get his views on the grinder itself, and a review of the service that he receives as a pro customer.

Psyd wrote:Jason at Cartel Coffee Labs in Tempe AZ has on on his counter, and at last report , 'a small part keeps breaking that keeps the grinder from working'. I'm making some attempt to get his views on the grinder itself, and a review of the service that he receives as a pro customer.
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Curious what "small part" keeps breaking, what level of customer service VersaLab has been providing to commerical customers and outside of the "small part" can this grinder function daily in a commercial environment? Any updates?